YMCA campaign wants to get Norwalkers off the couch and moving

Published 8:00 pm, Monday, September 15, 2008

Abby Colón said she sees the results of poor fitness almost everyday as she offers physical fitness training to everyone from preteens to adults.

It's especially troubling to her when she sees children who are overweight.

"I think there definitely is a lot less physically active children," she said. "I think they are doing a lot more video games."

Colón is a fitness instructor at the Norwalk YMCA. The nonprofit organization is joining a national campaign to promote healthy living along with 1,400 YMCAs across the country as part of "America on the Move" week to promote fitness. It begins Saturday and ends Sept. 27.

There will be a number of events and lectures offered at the Norwalk YMCA as it seeks to help people lead healthier lives, said Keith D. Peters, director of health & wellness.

Although the campaign won't magically result in a fitter society, Peters said it's important to stress constant physical activity.

"I think that anything that promotes physical activity and healthy living is a plus," he said.

Cynthia Armijo, chief executive officer for the Norwalk YMCA, said the goal is simple: Get people moving.

"It's really all about getting folks up from their couches and get moving," said Armijo Monday.

That's where Colón and others step in by offering training and trying to encourage everyone especially children to live a healthier lifestyle. Even though many children are overweight, including many who are involved in sports, said Colon, she focuses on the positive.

"We do talk a little about weight, but we stress working out and eating better more," said Colón.

Those healthy habits have to start early, said Armijo.

"I would say that in our YMCA, we have made it a mission to get kids more active. There are a lot more distractions in kids' lives these days," she said.

Parents who are busy juggling their busy lives often have little time to spend ensuring their children are staying physically active, said Armijo. It's also tough for them to find time to take their children outside the home for physical activity, she said.

"It's easier to have a kid to go to the computer or sit down in front of a television," said Armijo.

She does see a hopeful sign because registrations for their fall after-school programs for children are up compared to last year. She believes this means more parents are trying to ensure their children get some physical activity.